Page 62 - SLO Visitors Guide Winter 2026

62 WINTER 2026 slovisitorsguide.com
Atascadero
Outdoor activities abound
The city of Atascadero, originally
founded by E.G. Lewis in the early
1900s as a utopian community, is a
popular location for shopping, dining and
strolls along the lake shore. Home to the
Charles Paddock Zoo, the town has a large
selection of restaurants offering a range
of cuisine from rib-sticking American
style to Asian, Mediterranean and more.
Breweries, wine tasting, bakeries, antique
stores, specialty shops, boutiques and
art galleries are tucked away in locations
along the main El Camino Real and on
side streets around the Sunken Gardens.
Popular area wineries are only a short
drive from downtown and any of the
town’s several hotels.
Attractions
Atascadero Lake Park
A 1.3-mile easy walk path circles
the lake in the park providing views
of the lake, the many varieties of birds
that frequent the lake and other visiting
wildlife. Bring binoculars; more than 48
species of birds have been sighted at the
lake and recorded on ebirds.org. Leashed
dogs are allowed and the path is also a
favorite place for cyclists. The park has
restrooms, small barbecue and recreation
areas. The Faces of Freedom Veterans
Memorial occupies the edge of the park
facing Morro Road and is well worth a
visit. The park is located at 9305 Pismo
Ave, Atascadero just off of Morro Road
(Highway 41).
Central Coast Zoo
The zoo is one of only 211 zoos
accredited by the American Zoo and
Aquarium Association, this zoo was
founded in 1955 by Charles Paddock, a
county park ranger who nursed injured
wild animals back to health. Today,
the zoo covers more than five acres.
Many of the zoo residents are part of a
world-wide program to preserve animals
and their habitats. Some of these rare
and endangered animals include the
American Alligator and endangered
owls and the Greater Roadrunner native
to California. The zoo is located at 9100
Morro Rd, Atascadero. For hours and more
information call (805) 461-5080 or visit
centralcoastzoo.org.
Golfing
Atascadero and North San Luis
Obispo County has several challenging
golf courses. Contact any of these golf
courses directly for tee times and more
information: Chalk Mountain Golf Course,
Links Golf Course of Paso Robles, Paso
Robles Golf Club, Hunter Ranch Golf
Course and River Oaks Golf Course.
Historic City Hall
Atascadero’s historic city hall is
probably the city’s best known historic
building. Located at 6500 Palma Ave. and
gracing the back of the Sunken Gardens,
the double-domed Italian Renaissance
building was originally constructed in
1914 as the Atascadero Administration
Building. After founder E.G. Lewis
declared bankruptcy the building was
purchased in 1927 and, over the years,
served as three different private schools
and a bank. It became the Veterans
Memorial Building when acquired by the
County of San Luis Obispo in 1954, and
served as a community building. When
the City of Atascadero incorporated in
1979, government offices occupied the
building until it suffered major damage
in the 2003 San Simeon Earthquake.
After years of reconstruction and
restoration, Historic City Hall opened
again in 2013.
Beer & Cocktails
Whiskey & June
Whether it’s for happy hour or a birthday
celebration, Whiskey & June is the
perfect spot to meet up with friends in
downtown Atascadero! Open daily 10
a.m. to 2 a.m. A local favorite, known for
its homemade eggnog that is available
starting Thanksgiving Day. 5950 El
Camino Real, Atascadero, CA,
(805) 466-9974. Follow on Facebook.
Wild Fields Brewhouse
A local brewpub crafted as a
comfortable space for beer lovers and
families alike. Their facility includes
mini-bowling lanes, arcade games,
foosball, air hockey and a toddler corner.
6907 El Camino Real Suite C, Atascadero,
wildfields.com, (805) 399-2337